What constitutes a great contest/event???

[billywaz]

Although I am not playing baseball this year, I have been reading the boards and have heard nothing but great feedback to how well the live events were.



It got me thinking.....what makes a contest so great?? This is what I came up with....



1) THE LEAD DOGS

Obviously your event is going to flourish if you have the right people running it. They need to have a passion for the sport, being extremely organized, and most importantly....LISTEN TO THEIR CUSTOMERS NEEDS. I think these are the main reasons that Greg and Tom are regarded as two of the best (if not the best) in the entire high stakes industry.



2) FRIENDSHIPS

I know from the NFFC, I have made many friends over the years, and talk to many of them throughout the entire year. The NFFC weekend is my favorite weekend of the year, and getting to know all the good people of these events would obviously not be possible without the contest itself.



3) "HOOKING" THE NEWBIE

While I am not a newbie, it made me kinda jealous that I couldn't somehow be a part of the NFBC this year. To hear from everyone how great this event is really a great "sales pitch" to al of the people out there who are "on the fence."



Forget spending money on advertising in magazines, sending out mass e-mails, etc.....The BEST marketing out there is WORD OF MOUTH.......PERIOD! That also can work against you, as it takes a good while to build a reputation, and only one or two boneheaded moves to completely wash it away.



Just reading all this, I am very pleased in the direction that the NFBC/NFFC are headed with STATS on board for the future!



Really cool that so many are having a great experience, and I wish everyone best of luck in their leagues this year.



With a little coaxing, my dead money will be in play in the NFBC for 2012!



[ March 23, 2011, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: billywaz ]

[King of Queens]

Originally posted by billywaz:

With a little coaxing, my dead money will be in play in the NFBC for 2012! You should give Tom or Greg a call. They might be able to give you "a little coaxing" and get you into the New York main event!



If you're preparing to be dead money in 2012, why not be the same in 2011?

[billywaz]

Originally posted by King of Queens:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

With a little coaxing, my dead money will be in play in the NFBC for 2012! You should give Tom or Greg a call. They might be able to give you "a little coaxing" and get you into the New York main event!



If you're preparing to be dead money in 2012, why not be the same in 2011? [/QUOTE]Haven't done a minute of research and "RichmondFest" (UR and VCU in tournament on Friday night! ) make it a "no go" to the Big Apple.

[Greg Ambrosius]

Originally posted by King of Queens:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

With a little coaxing, my dead money will be in play in the NFBC for 2012! You should give Tom or Greg a call. They might be able to give you "a little coaxing" and get you into the New York main event!



If you're preparing to be dead money in 2012, why not be the same in 2011? [/QUOTE]NICE!!! Now that's no way to treat an old friend!!



I know how to coax you into a $350 Online Double Play right now that would get you "back in the game", Billy. That's like just dipping your toe in the water.



Great post Billy and I'm going to add to it shortly. I've been quiet about what's been going on in the high-stakes space and I've listened to my customers about their feelings about this area and just bit my tongue. But I'm very, very, very concerned about this space and what could happen to consumers in the high-stakes market and just need a little coaxing to speak out. You coax me and I'll coax you!!! Deal?

[Greg Ambrosius]

I can answer Billy's question though on what constitutes a great contest/event.



1. Organization

2. Communication. Communication. Communication

3. Technology backing. TECHNOLOGY again. The event is nothing without this.

4. A community. The customers ARE the community, but the leaders bring them together and keep them together.

5. Financial backing. You need to ensure that prizes are always paid.

6. Leadership, like Billy said.

7. Quick prize payouts. A consumer should NEVER have to think about when or if he/she will get paid. It's just done and taken for granted that it will be done and done in time.

8. TRUST!!!!!! Nothing is more important at this price level.



I could go on and on about having the perfect venues, the right rules, great prize payouts, great facilitators, good food at the events, etc., etc. But the core of this is community, trust, quick payouts and communication, communication, communication. And then technology makes the game so much fun during the season. We now have all of this here and our future is extremely solid. I've never felt better about our contest/event and I wish all of our competitors the best in the future. But right now I like our position in this space.

[Tom Kessenich]

Originally posted by King of Queens:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

With a little coaxing, my dead money will be in play in the NFBC for 2012! You should give Tom or Greg a call. They might be able to give you "a little coaxing" and get you into the New York main event!



If you're preparing to be dead money in 2012, why not be the same in 2011? [/QUOTE]There is one spot left for the Sunday auction Billy.



Just wanted to point that out.

[King of Queens]

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

I've been quiet about what's been going on in the high-stakes space and I've listened to my customers about their feelings about this area and just bit my tongue. But I'm very, very, very concerned about this space and what could happen to consumers in the high-stakes market and just need a little coaxing to speak out. You coax me and I'll coax you!!! Deal? I guess this will have to wait...

[Thunder]

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy.

[billywaz]

Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy. Knowledge of the game (and passion) is my big weakness.



I feel I can compete with anyone in football, but when I go against the Jupinkas, Srebros, Childs, Lowys, etc. in baseball.......I have about a 30% chance to beat them (AT BEST!) BEFORE the draft starts.



Once in season moves start......it drops to about 10%.



Looking forward to Chicago this year (would like to find a flight under $400! )



[ March 24, 2011, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: billywaz ]

[Gekko]

Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy. Knowledge of the game (and passion) is my big weakness.



I feel I can compete with anyone in football, but when I go against the Jupinkas, Srebros, Childs, Lowys, etc. in baseball.......I have about a 30% chance to beat them (AT BEST!) BEFORE the draft starts.



Once in season moves start......it drops to about 10%.



Looking forward to Chicago this year (would like to find a flight under $400! ) [/QUOTE]billy, we'll get you back in the game! sorry to see you pass this year.

[Glenneration X]

Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy. Knowledge of the game (and passion) is my big weakness.



I feel I can compete with anyone in football, but when I go against the Jupinkas, Srebros, Childs, Lowys, etc. in baseball.......I have about a 30% chance to beat them (AT BEST!) BEFORE the draft starts.



Once in season moves start......it drops to about 10%.



Looking forward to Chicago this year (would like to find a flight under $400! ) [/QUOTE]You underestimate yourself Billy. You've already won an NFBC league. Not many can make that claim.



Bill (KYReign), I've tried working on Billy to join up as well, but he's too freakin' stubborn.



Next year, NY Billy. We'll convince Srebro, RT, & Jupinka to hit Vegas again and try to talk a few of the other East Coast sharks into the trip as well and leave Citifield to you, me, and those upgrading from Yahoo.

[billywaz]

Originally posted by Glenneration X:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy. Knowledge of the game (and passion) is my big weakness.



I feel I can compete with anyone in football, but when I go against the Jupinkas, Srebros, Childs, Lowys, etc. in baseball.......I have about a 30% chance to beat them (AT BEST!) BEFORE the draft starts.



Once in season moves start......it drops to about 10%.



Looking forward to Chicago this year (would like to find a flight under $400! ) [/QUOTE]You underestimate yourself Billy. You've already won an NFBC league. Not many can make that claim.



Bill (KYReign), I've tried working on Billy to join up as well, but he's too freakin' stubborn.



Next year, NY Billy. We'll convince Srebro, RT, & Jupinka to hit Vegas again and try to talk a few of the other East Coast sharks into the trip as well and leave Citifield to you, me, and those upgrading from Yahoo. [/QUOTE]That definitely sounds like a plan, Glenn! As it will be the "Big Apple" for baseball if I decide to play.



Weed out the sharks (was in Jupinka's main league 2 years ago), and get to finally meet you in person.



I of course would prefer we hung out before and after the draft, and you weren't in my league!

[Thunder]

Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Glenneration X:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy. Knowledge of the game (and passion) is my big weakness.



I feel I can compete with anyone in football, but when I go against the Jupinkas, Srebros, Childs, Lowys, etc. in baseball.......I have about a 30% chance to beat them (AT BEST!) BEFORE the draft starts.



Once in season moves start......it drops to about 10%.



Looking forward to Chicago this year (would like to find a flight under $400! ) [/QUOTE]You underestimate yourself Billy. You've already won an NFBC league. Not many can make that claim.



Bill (KYReign), I've tried working on Billy to join up as well, but he's too freakin' stubborn.



Next year, NY Billy. We'll convince Srebro, RT, & Jupinka to hit Vegas again and try to talk a few of the other East Coast sharks into the trip as well and leave Citifield to you, me, and those upgrading from Yahoo. [/QUOTE]That definitely sounds like a plan, Glenn! As it will be the "Big Apple" for baseball if I decide to play.



Weed out the sharks (was in Jupinka's main league 2 years ago), and get to finally meet you in person.



I of course would prefer we hung out before and after the draft, and you weren't in my league! [/QUOTE]I could be coaxed into NY as well. All I'd have to do is mention NY to my "luvly" bride, and it could happen. Be good to meet the NY bretheren.

[Glenneration X]

Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Glenneration X:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

Great post Billy.



Let it be known I tried to coax Billy into playing this year. I remember telling him how I couldn't understand a player with his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game, NOT playing baseball. However it is good to see he'll probably be in next year.



See you at Bubba's, Billy. Knowledge of the game (and passion) is my big weakness.



I feel I can compete with anyone in football, but when I go against the Jupinkas, Srebros, Childs, Lowys, etc. in baseball.......I have about a 30% chance to beat them (AT BEST!) BEFORE the draft starts.



Once in season moves start......it drops to about 10%.



Looking forward to Chicago this year (would like to find a flight under $400! ) [/QUOTE]You underestimate yourself Billy. You've already won an NFBC league. Not many can make that claim.



Bill (KYReign), I've tried working on Billy to join up as well, but he's too freakin' stubborn.



Next year, NY Billy. We'll convince Srebro, RT, & Jupinka to hit Vegas again and try to talk a few of the other East Coast sharks into the trip as well and leave Citifield to you, me, and those upgrading from Yahoo. [/QUOTE]That definitely sounds like a plan, Glenn! As it will be the "Big Apple" for baseball if I decide to play.



Weed out the sharks (was in Jupinka's main league 2 years ago), and get to finally meet you in person.



I of course would prefer we hung out before and after the draft, and you weren't in my league! [/QUOTE]I could be coaxed into NY as well. All I'd have to do is mention NY to my "luvly" bride, and it could happen. Be good to meet the NY bretheren. [/QUOTE]Now we're talking!!! The two Chicago Bill's visiting the house that Seaver built. Let's make this happen next year guys. First drink's on me, well OK Tom.